What is 1st Category Risk
Understanding the difference between space type and risk level.
What risk category means
Every building covered by the MAP is classified into one of four risk categories, from 1st (lowest) to 4th (highest). This is different from use-type: use-type says what the space is (shop, school, restaurant), risk category says how demanding it is, within that use.
A small café and a large shopping centre can share the same use-type but have very different risk categories — and very different requirements as a result.
Factors that usually weigh into the classification
- The building's height and number of floors, including floors below ground
- How many people are typically in the space at once
- Whether people can evacuate on their own or need help
- The size of the space and how it's laid out
What changes between categories
The higher the risk category, the more complete the required MAP tends to be — more records, more equipment, and from certain categories upward, a mandatory internal emergency plan and drills. 1st category usually has the simplest requirements, though still real ones. Only a técnico autor, working from the building's actual details, can confirm the category and exactly what's required.
Need to sort this out?
Frequently asked questions
Is my space always 1st category just because it's small?
Not necessarily. Size matters, but other factors — like floors below ground or how difficult evacuation would be for occupants — count too. Only a técnico autor can confirm.
Can I choose the risk category to pay less?
No. Risk category comes from objective characteristics of the building and its use, set by law and confirmed by a técnico autor — it's not the owner's choice.
This guide is general orientation and doesn't replace legal or technical advice. Your building's exact risk category and obligations are determined by a técnico autor registered with ANEPC.